Frederick Community College will add men’s and women’s lacrosse as varsity programs beginning in the spring 2016 season, Director of Athletics Rodney Bennett announced Thursday.

"We’re very pleased to add lacrosse as a varsity sport," said Bennett.  "Maryland is a prime location for lacrosse and we look forward to the numerous benefits it will bring to the Cougar athletic department, Frederick Community College, and our community.”

With the addition of men’s and women’s lacrosse, FCC will increase the number of sports to nine, including baseball, basketball, lacrosse, and soccer for men; and basketball, lacrosse, softball, soccer, and volleyball for women.

"The expansion of our athletics program is a primary goal of Frederick Community College,” added Bennett. “Intercollegiate athletics is a great way to promote the college and to recruit quality student-athletes who give back to the community."

The search for head coaches will begin immediately.  Department officials expect a competition schedule to be finalized in the coming months. For more information, contact Mr. Rodney Bennett at 301-846-2501.

Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports in the nation so this new endeavor will open up many new and exciting opportunities for student athletes.  Maryland has seen a growth of 12% with over 12,553 participants according to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFSHSA).

The FCC Athletics Department has made significant strides the past two years.  In 2014, the baseball field was given a major facelift with the addition of a synthetic turf field and the basketball court received a resurface.  In the spring of 2014, Cougar Athletics inducted eight members to the inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame.

Frederick Community College is a member of the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference (MD JUCO) and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).